Fire & Emergency Services Deptt fails to set up requisite fire service stations

Baramulla, Oct 15: The Fire and Emergency Services Department in Kashmir is struggling to meet the increasing demands of its responsibilities. With a growing population, there is an urgent need to establish more fire and emergency stations. However, the department's inability to set up additional stations has left the public disappointed.

The recent fire in Warwan, Kishtwar district, which reduced over 40 structures to ashes, has exposed the glaring inadequacy of fire and emergency services across Jammu and Kashmir. The destruction of the village and the displacement of its residents highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive review of fire safety infrastructure in the region.

In the three districts of North Kashmir—Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora—there is an immediate need for at least 24 new fire and emergency stations. This includes 10 stations in Kupwara, 8 in Baramulla, and 6 in Bandipora. Although these areas had been recommended by the department for the establishment of new fire and emergency stations, a lack of funds has been the biggest obstacle to their timely setup.

Among the newly identified areas for fire and emergency services in North Kashmir are Nowgam Kandi Baramulla, Narwaw Baramulla, Salamabad Uri, Botingoo Sopore, Argam Bandipora, Sumlar Bandipora, Aloosa Bandipora, Matrigam Bandipora, Baktoor Gurez, Tulail Gurez, and Machil, Keran, Gabra Tangdar, and Zachaldara in Kupwara district.

For example, the Narwav area of Baramulla, home to around 30 villages, lacks a fire station. In the event of a fire, assistance from Baramulla town often arrives too late to prevent extensive damage. Similarly, Salamabad Uri, located at the tail end of the district, is deprived of a fire station despite its strategic significance as a border area. Residents of Botingoo Sopore and Kandi Baramulla also live in constant fear of fire, knowing that no immediate help is available nearby.

An official stated that around 98 new fire and emergency service stations have been recommended for setup across Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to a lack of funds, they have yet to be established.

Another major issue facing the department is the scarcity of staff. The Fire and Emergency Services Department is struggling to meet the growing demands placed on it. Although 102 fire stations have been sanctioned across Jammu and Kashmir, only 172 are currently operational, severely straining already overburdened resources.

Furthermore, the department faces a critical staff shortage, with 40 percent of positions remaining vacant. Existing personnel are stretched thin, forced to cover a vast area with outdated equipment and limited resources.

“The current state of fire and emergency services in Jammu and Kashmir demands immediate attention. With 40 percent of staff positions unfilled and resources stretched to their limit, the department cannot adequately serve the population. New fire stations must be established, and existing vacancies filled, to prevent future disasters like Warwan,” said a former official of the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

In North Kashmir, the need for fire stations is especially dire. The region’s geography and scattered settlements make it particularly vulnerable to fire-related disasters. The districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, with their extensive rural areas and rugged terrain, are among the most underserved in terms of fire safety infrastructure.

The rural areas of north Kashmir are not only underserved but also highly vulnerable to fire incidents due to the prevalence of wood-based construction and reliance on traditional heating methods. These areas also lack proper fire prevention measures, increasing the risk of fires spreading rapidly.

The Warwan Kishtwar fire was a wake-up call, highlighting the devastating impact of fires in remote and under-equipped areas. In just a few hours, the fire destroyed homes and livelihoods, leaving an entire village in ruins. The response was delayed due to the absence of a nearby fire station, leaving residents helpless as they watched their homes burn.

“This tragedy should compel policymakers to reevaluate the region’s fire safety infrastructure. There is an urgent need to establish more fire stations in these areas, and the process should begin without further delay,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla.

Additionally, the government must invest in modern firefighting equipment and training programs to enhance the preparedness of the existing workforce. "The creation of fire awareness campaigns in rural areas will also be essential in reducing the risk of future catastrophic incidents."